Drop in gasoline prices makes holiday travel more affordable

Gas prices are dropping, but drivers are still pinching pennies, looking for the best deal.

AAA Northern California's travel forecast predicts that more than 5.1 million Californians plan to travel 50 miles or more during the coming Thanksgiving holiday weekend and, lucky for them, California continues to enjoy lower prices at the pump. The state average price is $3.57 per gallon for unleaded regular gasoline, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.

In Northern California, that average was $3.59 as of Nov. 12, a decrease of 24 cents since last month's AAA report. For perspective, gas prices today are 25 cents less than California's average price this time last year.

California, however, is recording the highest contiguous state average price for regular unleaded gasoline.

In the Sacramento region, the average retail gasoline prices have risen 0.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.43 per gallon as of Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 720 gas outlets in Sacramento. This compares with the national average that has increased 5.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.26/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices Sunday were still 12.9 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 18.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 5.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 17.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. "The national average has seen its bounce continue in the last week across most of the nation," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Some of the lows we saw just a couple weeks ago have vanished, replaced by higher digits as oil prices rallied.

It will be an interesting week ahead as some notable progress emerged after developed countries came to a partial solution on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Just that action alone may result in significant downward pressure on oil prices as tough sanctions may soon be eased, allowing Iran's oil to flood an already well-supplied marketplace," DeHaan said. Plumas Lake resident Michelle Shows, who drives all over California for her job, stops in Vacaville to get the best price. "I get a good price down here, but when I go home, I find out it's 10 cents cheaper," she said as she filled up her truck last week.

Tamara Carousos, co-owner of Extreme Outback Products in Vacaville, paid to have a work truck filled up at Quik Stop on Leisure Town Road. She said another gas station is closer to the business, but Quik Stop offers a better price - even better than the gas station right next door, she pointed out.

"Spending less money is a big deal for us," she said. "We need to go where it's most cost effective for the business."

GasBuddy.com showed that the least expensive regular gas is $3.33, and available at CostCo.

AAA has an explanation for the generally lower gas prices.

"Thanks to a light hurricane season, the completion of winter blend conversion and less demand by consumers, gas prices continue on a downward trend," said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. "Barring any unforeseen event, AAA expects the state average at the pump to continue to fall as we approach the end of the year."

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving that avoids sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with more than 100,000 self-serve stations nationwide surveyed every day. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.